Once there was a man,
 Who cut things out of stone.
 He lived out in the countryside.
 Yes, he lived all alone.
 He wasn’t a very smart man.
 But he didn’t have to be.
 His Stone-work made him a living.
 And he was very happy.
 
 ‘Til one day he went out
 To a new mountain to cut stone.
 And as he ventured on his way,
 He found he wasn’t alone.
 The locals talked of a spirit,
 Who granted people their desires.
 But he brushed this off as poppycock,
 As just the work of liars.
 
 He cut his stone expertly as always,
 Polishing off the rough edges.
 He took them back down the mountain pass,
 To the man who’d pay his wages.
 But as he walked he started to think
 What his desires might be.
 If visited by the spirit who
 Would grant wishes happily.
 
 He couldn’t think of very much,
 Until it came into view,
 The house of the man he took the stones to.
 His name was Mr. Tsu.
 Mr. Tsu had a mansion of immense size.
 With tapestries, gardens, and koi ponds.
 And all of this, made our stonecutter think,
 
 “This is what I would respond!
 I wish I wish I had a mansion like this!”
 
 Then the air felt enchanted.
 A voice whispered gleefully into his ear,
 “Stonecutter, your wish is granted.”
 
 He then went home, and what did he see?
 A mansion completely full of rooms,
 Overflowing with tapestries!
 It was enough to make him swoon!
 He marveled at it all
 For about 15 minutes.
 Then he got bored and looked out the window.
 And he saw coming into the city limits,
 A prince of great rapport and might,
 Being carried in on a throne.
 That prince had servants surrounding him,
 And The Stonecutter felt alone.
 
 “He even has someone carrying an umbrella!”
 Said the Stonecutter jealously,
 “To block this wretched summer sun!
 What a joy that’d be!
 I wish I wish, I was a prince!”
 
 Then the air felt enchanted.
 A voice whispered gleefully into his ear,
 “Stonecutter, Your wish is granted.”
 
 The Stonecutter sat, on a carried throne,
 His every need tended to.
 This didn’t last very long, however.
 It was hotter than he knew.
 Even though it was nice,
 having an umbrella over him.
 The sun still made him sweat,
 and continued to brown his skin.
 
 He looked up in the sky at the blazing hot sun.
 And he began to think:
 
 “I can block the sun with an umbrella, I can even have a drink.
 But the sun is still more powerful than me!
 And will one day, it make me retire.
 Yet the sun still will glow brightly.
 Shining every hour!
 I wish I wish I was the sun!”
 
 Then the air felt enchanted.
 A voice whispered gleefully to him,
 “Stonecutter, Your wish is granted!”
 
 An instant later, He was the sun,
 Burning his power into the ground.
 Scorching crops in his might,
 And burning up rivers and towns.
 
 “At last! No one is mightier than me!
 I finally am the best thing!”
 
 Then a cloud blocked his rays,
 And his anger began to sting.
 
 “This simple cloud blocks out my brightness!
 I thought nothing stood in my path!
 No stupid cloud will stop my power!
 There is no end to my wrath!
 I wish I wish I was a cloud!”
 
 Then the air felt enchanted.
 A voice whispered gleefully to him,
 “Stonecutter, Your wish is granted.”
 
 A split second went by and he was a cloud,
 And he drove down hard with rain.
 He learned he could make hail in himself.
 So he destroyed the fields of grain.
 
 “No one is mightier now!”
 He said, marveling in his might.
 “I’m so powerful! I can move mountains!
 Wait? That isn’t right.”
 
 He rained down on a mountain, but it wouldn’t budge,
 Rock-solid it stood in defiance.
 
 “This mountain won’t move!
 So I must be it!
 It’s time to make that alliance!
 I wish I wish I was the mountain!”
 
 Then the air felt enchanted.
 A voice whispered gleefully back to him.
 “Stonecutter, Your wish is granted.”
 
 He stood as the mountain, and he could not be moved.
 The sun it could not scorch him.
 The rain it could not wash him away,
 Nothing could overtake him.
 He relaxed and took in, all the power he had.
 The solidness of stone was surely,
 The best thing he’d ever have.
 
 ...
 
 Then he listened carefully and heard a very faint sound.
 ‘Chink, Chink, Chink,’ went something familiar,
 Then he looked down at the ground.
 
 “A stonecutter!” He exclaimed,
 Flabbergasted and amazed.
 “He’s cutting me up! He’s destroying my base!
 He is surely mightier than me!
 Now I know what I HAVE to be!
 I wish I wish I was a stonecutter!”
 
 Then the air felt enchanted.
 A voice whispered gleefully back to him.
 “Stonecutter, Your wish is granted.”
 
 And once again, he was a stonecutter.
 And he never made a wish again.
 His power was just perfect now.
 At least, it was perfect for him.
 
 And so the moral of this story,
 Which we do not want to hide,
 Is that The Grass isn’t always greener,
 On the other side.
 
 And if you’re a stonecutter, a businessman, a mom,
 A cloud in the sky, A preacher, Or a singer of song,
 You are exactly what God made you to be.
 Try to be it happily.

Once underneath the Mediterranean Sea,
 There lived many people like you and me.
 But they were also unlike us too,
 These people who lived in the waters blue.
 They were merfolk, with long fishy tails,
 That had rainbow hues on their metallic scales,
 And they danced as they swam, like ballerinas.
 But this story is about one mermaid named Serena.

 Serena was the youngest princess of The Sea King.
 And all in the kingdom loved to hear her sing.
 But she didn't prefer shows in which she starred, 
She preferred the stories of The Sea Bard.

 Phineas The Sea Bard sat upon a rock,
 And all the young merfolk to him did flock.
 But Serena was led up to the front of the school,
 And made to sit down on her coral stool.

 "Are we all ready?" Phineas chimed,
 "For today's story is most divine. 
Serena? Are you ready to hear
 About the Manfolk who live near to here?"

 Serena leaped from her stool and twirled,
 As did the mer-fingerlings, both boys and girls.

 When they had calmed, Phineas began,
 Lowering his tone and pointing to land.

 "Up there, there lives many a man.
 The crowning achievement of Creator's plan.
 And perhaps when you're old enough, You too will see,
 What marvelous wonders live above the sea.
 For manfolk live 100 years and are-
 Taken up to heaven, to the shining stars,
 While we live 300, and then turn to sea foam.
 Merfolk have life, but Manfolk have a home."

 Then The Sea Bard told a fantastic tale
 Of men who over the waters did sail.
 How they battled sea monsters and won the fight, 
But Serena waited for a question invite. 

"Are there any questions about our story today?"

 Serena's hand shot up, 

"Serena, what do you have to say?" 

"Is it true that when we go up to the outside,
 We should be very careful to hide, 
For if they see us, we will cause them danger?
 I do not want to harm a manfolk stranger!" 

"When manfolk see merfolk, it creates something bad 
That is called a storm, it makes them go mad.
 The fear that grips them exists, 
because they could die,
 If dragged into the sea, my little fry."

 "They can never come down and live with us?" 

"I fear not, young one. Not without great cost.
 Manfolk cannot breathe underwater like we
 Who swim out in the open sea.
 If the go in too deep, or stay in too long,
 They will drown just as surely, as the rising of the dawn."

 "I want to see them!"

 "And in time you will.
 And I'm sure one day that'll be quite a thrill.
 But for now dear Serena, go out and play.
 You will see manfolk on your 16th Birthday."

When Serena turned 16,
 She swam as fast as she could
 Up to the surface to see the Manfolk,
 That they might be understood.
 And when her head broke through the surface
 What do you think she saw? 
A vessel floating on the surface,
 As long as a sea monster was tall!

 She marveled at its colored masts of purple and of gold.
 And the little school of white things that floated around the vessel, bold.
 They shrieked and called discordant songs
 As they scavenged for a meal, 
Serena then thought to herself: 'How can this all be real?'

 She swam a fair bit closer,
 Keeping out of sight.
 She didn't want to stir up a storm,
 Or cause the Manfolk fright. 
And as she did she heard a voice,
 Cutting through the waves, 
It was the sound of a man-bard,
 And he was heaping out praise.

 Man-Bard: "Prince Silas drew closer to the burning building, 
 As it swayed and almost collapsed.
 He heard the screams of the Little ones,
 Trapped inside the black.
 He pushed through the smoke,
 The flame and the heat,
 and braved it all despite,
 Knowing he might die any moment,
 Yet he didn't lose the fight. 

He saved five children.
 All the ones who were trapped there in that house,
 Selflessly braving the fire of Hephaestus,
 And the danger all about.

 And it is my pleasure to present to you,
 Before you all have fits,
 The heroic Prince of our country,
 The Honorable Prince Silas!"

 The people clapped and The Prince stepped out.
 Serena was amazed.
 Hearing stories of the Man's bravery,
 Made it hard to move her gaze.

 The people sang a simple song,
 And Serena joined right in.
 She wished she hadn't soon after,
 As the air began to spin.
 Water-spouts, whirlpools, maelstroms, rain, and more. 
Lightning raged, thunder roared,
 And the Manfolk were shook to the core.

 They all scrambled fast to steady their ship,
 Before they were overcome.
 But Prince Silas was swept from the deck, 
And Serena's tail went numb.
 She dove below the ship straight to
 The Prince's floating form,
 And she held him just above the water 
In the ever increasing storm.
 Her tail screamed in pain and effort
 As she pushed the extra weight,
 But she had to save this one who'd saved lives,
 No mind to the pain that was great.

 She dragged and dragged with all her might,
 Until she reached dry land.
 Her skin and scales cried out on contact,
 With the still hot sand.
 She beached herself for a moment,
A nd stared down at his face.
 His eyes began to flutter open,
 And she left without a trace.

 She swam back down to the sea below,
 Wishing she could stay above. 
She wondered at the feelings she felt.
 Could this all be...

And so the days went on and on. 
Every other, Serena surfaced. 
Trying to catch a glimpse of Prince Silas. 
Her curiosity she serviced. 

She learned many things 
About Manfolk and land. 
And she praised Creator for- 
The amazing work of his hands. 
But after many days of this, 
Her heart began to sink. 
Imagining the riches inside their buildings, 
Food, and the songs they must sing. 
But above all these things, 
She longed for but two. 
The glory of Heaven, 
And for Prince Silas too. 

This longing slowly grew into captivation. 
Yet, it did not stop there. 
She had to do something to live with them all. 
Her obsession became to breathe air. 
And so she confided in the only one, 
She believed would understand. 
Phineas The Sea Bard, who told her of Manfolk, 
And the treasures of the land. 

She approached him at night, 
Before he went to sleep, 
Phineas opened his door, 

"Your highness, 
What brings you this deep?" 

Serena tried her best to explain, 
But she quickly began to weep. 
Phineas guessed the rest of her tale, 
With one logical leap. 
He took her into his simple cave home, 
And sat her on his couch. 

"That's alright, Serena. 
Get your tears all out." 

When Serena regained her composure,
Phineas stood and spoke. 

"I must know how serious you are. 
This must not be a joke." 

"Creator calls me to the surface. 
Of that I am convinced." 

Phineas' voice grew grave and low. 

"I must not be involved. 
I will tell you a way this all may happen, 
Because I trust your longing eyes. 
But no one may know I told you this way. 
I must remain disguised." 

Serena solemnly nodded her head, 
And swore to secrecy. 
Then the sea-bard drew near to her ear, 
And whispered: "Sorcery."

Phineas gave Serena good directions 
To that lowly part of the sea. 
The desolate seascape all around her 
Made her want to hide or flea. 
She'd never seen the sea so empty, 
So dark, with so little life. 
But she promised herself she would brave this. 
And if necessary she'd fight. 

But she was thankful she didn't have to, 
As she finally approached the place, 
Where she would hopefully, finally, become a woman, 
And taste of Creator's grace. 

The sunken ship lay there, 
Just as Phineas had said. 
The silt-crusted vessel was massive in size. 
And the bones of Manfolk lay dead- 
All around and inside the ship, 
It was very much a place of death. 
Serena thought about turning back, 
But then she thought of having breath. 

She pushed onward into the ship, 
And found the Sorceress in a small room. 
The sorceress looked strange to Serena. 
Petite, with depressed eyes from gloom. 
She was an old hag with wrinkly skin, 
And Serena could only guess what was within 
The cloth covering over The Sea-Witch's lower half, 
Though she didn't swim... 

Sea-Witch: "What do you want, pathetic being? 
My house is not open to you." 

"If you please, Sorceress, I've come to-" 

Sea-Witch: "Get a Clue! 
I know exactly why you came! 
And my answer is: 'Why should I?' 
Just take your 300 years, little one. 300 years, then die!" 

Serena almost left right there. 
The Sea-Witch was so cruel. 
But Phineas told her she'd have to insist. 

"Do you take me for a fool? 
I've made my decision. 
I am not lost! 
I will do this at whatever cost!" 

The Sea-Witch grew agitated, 
And slammed a fist on her table. 

Sea-Witch: "What do you have to offer me?! 
How are you able to pay your debt to me, 
You poor miserable wretch?!" 

"I can bring you riches from 
My royal treasure chest." 

Sea-Witch: "Bah!" Said the witch. 
"Riches are worth nothing!" 

"Please, I'm not sure. 
Can you help me think of something?" 

The Sea-Witch exhaled 
With an annoyed tone. 
Not quite a sigh, 
Not quite a groan. 

Sea-Witch: "Do you have any talents?" 

"Yes. I have a few." 

Sea-Witch: "Good. Now tell me. 
Exactly what do you do?" 

"I can sing." 

The Sea-Witch snapped. 

Sea-Witch: "Show me!" 

And Serena sang a song of the sea. 
But before she got far, the witch bid her to stop. 

Sea-Witch: "It isn't bad. 
But it's not worth a lot." 

Serena bowed her head 
And the witch cocked hers. 

Sea-Witch: "You swim gracefully. 
Perhaps both can incur 
The cost of this transaction? 
With these will you part? 
Your voice and your grace?" 

"With all my heart." 

The witch snapped into action 
Before Serena could have known it. 
With one hand she grabbed Serena's mouth, 
With the other, Serena's tongue, and pulled it. 
She released her grip on the cheeks and then, 
Brought a knife through the tongue with a swipe. 
Pain tore through Serena's body, 
And she stumbled back in fright. 

The old Sea-Witch laughed as blood colored the water. 

Sea-Witch: "Here are the rules, 
My little daughter! 

1. You may never sing or speak again! 
Obvious by what I just did. 

2. Your grace will live on. 
But invisible needles will dig, 
Into the flesh and bones of your feet, 
So to walk is beyond masochism. 
These are both the price 
For changing an organism. 

3. And very last of all, 
You will still turn to foam, 
If you do not find true love, 
Heaven will not be your home! 
And if into true love, you do fall, 
And your love rejects you, 
Then that is all. 
You will die shortly after, 
And the foam of the sea, 
Will have a few more bubbles to flow aimlessly." 

The witch twirled around, and Serena saw, 
Legs of Manfolk, 
Under the witch's long shawl. 
Serena's eyes went dark, 
As terror gripped her heart, 
Was this now the end? 
Or just the very start?

In came the air into newly formed lungs.
 Back it went out in a blast.
 Serena opened her eyes and saw new legs,
 She was absolutely aghast!
 She felt them with her old hands 
 And found Smoothness like her skin.
 No longer scales and fishy tails.
 No longer rainbow fins.
 She touched the bottom of her feet,
 And then screamed out in pain.
 The needle feeling the witch had told her of- 
Had quite a powerful sting.

 Then she heard a voice as clear as glass,
 Calling out: "Miss! Miss!"
 She looked and saw Prince Silas (and two guards) riding toward her,
 And everything was bliss.

 He dismounted immediately and came to her side.

 Silas: "Miss, are you all right?" 

She opened her mouth to speak to him,
 But her mouth would not comply.
 
He looked in her mouth and saw the blood,
 Coating the inside.

 Silas: "She must have been attacked by pirates,
 And left at sea to die.
 God saw fit to save this one.
 Whatever she needs, comply." 

They lifted her onto the Prince's land-horse.
 (Very different from horses at sea.)
 And they rode her back to the Prince's palace.
 What joy Serena had to be free!

And so the wheel of time turned round
In Serena's simple life. 
The people of the palace took care of her.
 With kindness they were rife.
 But nothing compared to her best friend Silas, 
The Prince with kindness divine.
 He spent the majority of his time with her,
 And their friendship continued to entwine.

 "This is a strange new world I'm trying to know.
 But I've got to give up and go with the flow. 
I'm not swimming in the ocean now. 
I want to love you even if I don't know how."

 Inseparable was the word for them,
 No matter where they were at. 
Hunting, dancing, going on picnics,
 Or just sitting down for a chat. 
Silas and Serena discovered the world,
 Adventuring onward together.
 And even though Serena was dumb and speechless,
 In his company, she felt she was clever. 

"This is a strange new world I'm trying to know. 
But I've got to give up and go with the flow.
 I'm not swimming in the ocean at all.
 With you, I'm big even when I'm small." 

Serena learned of Creator with Silas,
 And how He dealt with men. 
Every Sunday they attended Church,
 And though Serena couldn't say "amen.",
 She absorbed the teaching taught to her,
 And loved the stories of His love. 
Even if she could not sing out his praises, 
In her heart, she praised God above.

 "This is a strange new world I'm trying to know. 
But I've got to give up and go with the flow.
 I'll never swim in the ocean again
 I'm no longer a mermaid. I am a woman."

One evening in the palace,
 While rain poured down outside,
 Silas found Serena in the kitchen,
 So he pulled her aside.
 Into a side room he took her,
 Where they could speak privately.

 Silas: "How are you my mute miss?
 Are you wandering idly?"

 Serena smiled and shook her head,
 And he could tell she was listening. 
Her eyes did not wander as sometimes they did,
 And her eyes were glistening.

 Silas: "I have news for you, of great importance,
 I am soon to be wed."

 Serena's smiling, glistening eyes,
 Looked like they were suddenly dead.
 She sat on a couch, and Silas sat too,
 He tried to regain her gaze.

 Silas: "I am unenthused by this revelation.
 Though it may be just a phase.
 Father says I am to marry-
 The Galatian Princess named Demi.
 I know nothing of what she is really like. 
I simply want to be free."

 Serena stared out over the ocean,
 Through the window and pouring rain.
 Silas never knew what she was thinking,
 Though he could see she was in pain. 
He held her hand and looked with her,
 Over the water's waves. 

Silas: "I know how upsetting this is.
 To not know where I'll be, 
I'm every bit as upset too
 To have everything planned out for me.
 If I was to pick my own wife,
 She'd be a lot like you,
 My sweet, silent, sister,
 Thank you for all that you do."

 Serena hugged him forcefully,
 And said a prayer for him.
 Hoping Creator would make him happy,
 Though everything looked grim.
 He hugged her back and they sat together,
 Without another word.
 And as tears filled Serena's eyes, 
Her vision of her world blurred.

A few weeks later, Silas-
Hosted a special ball, 
Welcoming the Princess Demi, 
To his palace's ivory halls. 
She'd arrive in about an hour 
Into the party's festivities,
 Serena tugged on Silas, 
And she didn't have to save please.

 She took him to the dance floor 
And though the pain was great,
 The joy of dancing with her best friend
 Made her stand up straight,
 And though the sting of her curse 
Pierced deeply into her soles,
 She smiled as broadly as she was able.
 Nothing could crush her soul. 

Silas: "I'm nervous." He said as they danced around, 
"She'll be here very soon."

 Then his eyes caught the gleam of Serena’s smile.
 From the vibrant light of the moon.

 He gulped and drew strength from her courage. 
And she curtsied at the end of the dance.
 The horns blew signaling the Princess's arrival,
 He looked, and was entranced. 

Her dark eyes laid in seas of milk white.
 Her pale skin shined in the moonlight. 
Her Raven-Black hair glistened darker than the night.
 And her bright red dress, was more than a sight.

 She glided down steps with her entourage.
 Shining like a dazzling jewel.
 And she rivaled Silas's nervousness. 
Their expressions, a timid duel.
 All were quiet in the hall.
 Then music began to play.
 She curtsied, and Prince Silas bowed,
 And Serena left to pray.

 Off to the banks of the water she went, 
Her feet screaming in her shoes.
 She collapsed down at the water's edge, 
And begged God to see her through.
 If Silas married this Princess divine,
 She'd turn into foam of the sea.
 But was not jealous of the Princess, no.
 She hoped the best for Princess Demi.

 Over and over in sync with the waves,
 Serena prayed this simple prayer.

 "Wherever you'd have me go to, God,
 Please, gently lead me there."

After Silas and Demi danced, 
They retired to the royal garden.
 The guards surrounded the ivy-ed gates 
And their hearts did the opposite of harden.
 They were now alone and could speak-
 All that was on their mind. 
No one could judge their manner of speech,
 They could be casual, and they could be kind.
 They spoke together for three hours
 About whatever things they prized.
 And here is a portion of that conversation,
 Near when they first arrived. 

Silas: "Since I heard you were coming to court,
 I've had nothing but constant fear.
 But that all disappeared when I saw you,
 And I'm excited now that you're here."

 Demi smiled and blushed,
 As she sat there on a seat.
 He took her hands into his,
 And she smiled at his eyes so sweet. 

Demi: "I was worried until I heard tales, 
Of how brave and bold you were.
 And ever since I saw your face,
 My heart is in an uproar."

 Silas: "I thought that you would be prim and proper. 
And fragile like a lilly. 
I thought you'd be uninterested in things, 
And wear things pink and frilly."

 Demi laughed and he smiled back,
 They both had more to say.
 But they both agreed they should be married.
 And they'd get married this day.
 A few more hours of private talk,
 Would seal up any doubts.
 And when they left that garden there, 
They'd let their secret out.

All the crowd had gathered 'round, 
For the re-introduction of the Prince, 
And the re-introduction of the Princess of Galatia,
 Together, they were a great presence.
 They ascended to the royal dais,
 To stand with the Queen and King.
 Silas whispered in his father's ear,
 Then turned and let his heart sing.

 Silas: "The Princess and I will be getting married!
 As soon as we are able!"

 A collective reaction ran through the crowd,
 Wild, and unstable.
 But nothing came from the throat of Serena.
 Not a cry came over her damaged tongue.
 She simply stared, accepting the fact,
 That the Sea Witch had now won.

 She barely heard the voice of the King,
 Who called for his servants to prepare,
 A wedding ceremony for his son,
 That they would have then and there.
 In the meantime, the band was to play some dances,
 For the crowd to enjoy. 
Serena ran with her agony-ridden feet,
 And on her face, she faked joy. 

"This is not Silas' fault." 
She told herself in her thought.
 "I cannot share how this has hurt me.
 I cannot and will not!
 If I am to die this very night,
 By the Sea Witch's trance,
 Then I will press on in defiance!
 And have myself one last dance!"

 She stood and curtsied before Silas,
 Huffing with exhaustion and pain.
 But she glued a smile to her face,
 And hid all her suffering and strain.

 Silas: "You are happy for me! Thank you so much!
 Oh, you'd like to dance?" 

 Serena nodded enthusiastically,
 This was her final chance,
 To bid farewell to her beloved prince.
 She felt the curse pressing down.
 Soon she would turn to sea foam,
 And in those waves, she would drown. 

But nothing could stop her from having this time,
 She danced a waltz with all her might.
 Even though she bled through the toes of her shoes, 
She bore it for Silas that night.
 And even though the pain in her feet was awful, 
In that moment, it was sublime.
 As she stared into Silas' beautiful, bright, eyes. 
For what would be the very last time.

 The dance ended far quicker than she would have asked. 
But she thanked him with a tight hug.
 Then she let him go to dance with others,
 And left the floor with a shrug.

 She wandered out onto the docks,
 And then onto the stern of a ship.
 She stared down at the water below,
 And tried to take comfort in it.
 Her pain would now soon be over.
 But then something strange came below.
 Out of the water, 8 heads appeared,
 And they stared at her, sad and slow.

 It took Serena a moment,
 To recognize them in moonlight.
 Her 8 older sisters came to the surface,
 To visit her this night.
 But strangely none seemed to have their hair. 
It all had been shaved off in mourning,
 For their long-lost little sister? 
Or maybe as a warning?

 The oldest one was named Fortuna.
 And she was the first to speak.

 Fortuna: "Oh, Serena, We know your pain.
 We know what made you weak.
 The seductions of this cruel surface,
 Drew you to the Sea-Witch.
 But we have shaved our heads for her,
 So that you may do this-" 

The other sisters whispered their approval,
 As Fortuna produced a knife.
 Black as ink, but shining as glass,
 It glittered in the moonlight.
 Serena's eyes grew wide as she stared,
 At what her sisters had done. 

Fortuna: "Take this knife, and kill your love. 
Before the rising of the sun.
 And if you do, you'll turn back into a mermaid,
 And have your 283 years. You'll have won!
 Your tongue and all you had will be back, 
Restored to perfect health,
 And you can come back, live with Father, and us,
 In the seaweed, and the kelp.”

 Serena reached down and took the knife,
 And nodded to bid them farewell, 
They all individually, said goodbye to Serena,
 Then left Serena to the spell...

 Serena stared at the knife for a moment,
 As she felt her body break.
 She looked at her hands, and saw foam forming,
 On her fingers, and she quaked. 
But as long as she held that knife in her hands,
 She knew she had a chance.
 But nothing would make her shed Silas' blood.
 Not even a Sea-Witch's trance.

 She held onto the knife, stepped up on the railing,
 And looked down at the sea.
 Blood dripped from the toes of her shoes,
 As she realized, this would be the last thing she'd see.
 She stabbed that knife into the railing,
 She'd never felt this alone.
She plunged into the salty depths,
 And before she touched water, she was foam...

But...

 Though she ceased to exist on Earth,
 And her body turned to spume, 
Serena woke up in a strange, white place, 
In what looked like her own little room.
 She got up, and tenderly tested her feet, 
Which to her surprise did not sting.
 Then she grew brave, and tested her mouth,
 She had a tongue, and could sing!

 Yet she stayed quietly dumbfounded,
 And walked right out of her room.
 And as she did, she heard a voice,
 That scared away all her gloom.

 Voice: "Come here to me, My little child.
 You've suffered much, I know.
 But you have sought, and you have found me,
 All your sins are washed white as snow."

 She saw Creator with her own eyes,
 Beckoning her into a hug.
 Her eyes did not cry, But her smile did not lie,
 As she sang to him like a dove.
 Her voice was now more beautiful than ever,
 In Creator's warm embrace,
 And Serena forever sang the praise,
 Of Creator's Amazing Grace.

 And so, the smallest, most wretched creature,
 In all the world may be, 
A child of God if their hope is in Him,
 And not in the things of the sea.
 Or even in the things of the land,
 Though enticing they might be,
 The Little Mermaid was finally home.
 And Serena was finally free.

Once Upon a kitchen floor,
 A girl named Keavy knelt .
She scrubbed away at the stone there,
 And few knew with what she dealt.
 She imagined fancies of the world,
 And stories to pass the time, 
But something inherently sad,
 Continually crossed her mind.

 Ever since Keavy was brought into her world, 
Tragedy seemed to hold tight.
 For when she took her very first breath, 
Her Mother didn't last through the night. 
Her Mother had died giving birth to her. 
There was nothing that she could have done. 
But this didn't stop Keavy,
 From enjoying the rising of the sun .

Her mind wandered back to a fanciful tale ,
She had heard from when she was little, 
A tale her father had told her, 
When her heart was brittle. 
But as the memories of her father,
 Drifted right into view,
 Something else even more terrible,
 Suddenly shifted and grew. 

 Her Father died when she was 5.
 She barely remembered him. 
But she felt certain that she knew him well,
 Thanks to her sister Erin. 
The two of them had precious time,
 When they both went to bed, 
Telling each other the wonderful stories,
 That would dance inside of their heads.

 Oh how she'd long to go outside, 
And talk with her sister there.
 But Erin was to do the yard work,
 And Keavy was to stay right here. 

"KEAVY!!!" 

Sounded an annoyed voice, 
And Keavy responded brightly.

 Keavy: "I'll be upstairs in just a few moments!" 

Then she ascended the stairs lightly.

Barrelling down toward Keavy, 
 Who was heading up the stairs, 
 Were her step sisters Claudette and Collette. 
They were always in a pair. 
 They were still in their sleeping clothes, 
But had been up for some time. 
And Keavy thought they needed a bath. 
 But she wouldn't voice her mind. 

The oldest of the twin girls, 
Was always the first to speak. 
 Claudette circled 'round Keavy 
 While Collette didn't make a peep. 
A swaggering animosity, 
Permeated from Claudette, 
 Who said in a gratingly over-sweet tone,- 

 Claudette: "Keavy, have you not heard us yet?"

 Keavy tried to reply, 
 But was countered by Collette. 

 Collette: "I know! I know, sisters! 
 We should make a bet!" 

Claudette: "If the one with cinders for brains 
Can guess what she hasn't done-" 

Collette: "She won't have to bathe us for a week!"

 Claudette: "She'll never guess this one!"

 Collette: "But if she doesn't guess it, There should be a consequence too!" 

Keavy began to get very bored. 
 But she couldn't leave these two. 
If she did they'd cook up something even worse, 
For her or even Erin. 
She lost track of the conversation, 

 Claudette: "Keavy, guess your sin."

 Keavy: "Did I forget to feed the cat? "

They giggled an obvious nope. 

 Collette: "You've simply got to do better than that!" 

Claudette: "Two more chances, you dope."

 Keavy: "Did I forget to clean your rooms?"

 Collette: "Oh my word, she's insane!"

 Claudette: "You cleaned them this morning, scrubber knees! 
You're really bad at this game!"

 Then Keavy's eyes grew wide. 
 She'd figured out what she'd neglected. 
She ran to the kitchen as fast as she could, 
 Leaving her step sisters dejected. 

 Claudette: "Oh well she figured it out."

 Collette: "it was worth the look on her face." 

Claudette: "Come along, sister, we have our own work to do. 
Time to put on our face."

Collecting all the food she made,
 Keavy bolted into the yard.
 She spotted Erin doing her work too,
 Taking care of the yard. 
In the briefest moment possible, She nuzzled Erin's neck. 
Her hands were still full with that basket of food.
 Erin smiled,

 Erin: "You look like a wreck!" 

Keavy : "I love you, Erin!" Was Keavy's only reply,
 As she spotted her destination.
 A faded red gypsy wagon, 
And inside it lived a sensation. 

She recalled the days of her father's love 
Into her memory.
 When an old and beggarly Gypsy woman 
Asked him for a spot of tea. 
She remembered how fond of old Cliona 
She was even back then.
 And how her Father gave her a place to park, 
When she wasn't travelling again.

 Keavy knocked and entered the wagon. 

Keavy: "I'm sorry that I'm late! 
But I made up for it, see? 
I put an extra loaf on your plate!"

 The old woman in her gypsy garb
 Turned 'round and said 

Cliona: "Thank you. 
But be mindful of your step-mother!
 She'd gladly tell me to shoo!
 If she had slightest inkling 
That you brought me so much food." 

Keavy: "Yes, Madame Cliona.
 But remember, my Father was strong.
 He made sure that legally,
 You can stay here 'til you're gone."

 She bade Cliona a fond farewell
 With a hug and a kindly kiss.
 There were still many more chores 
That she couldn't afford to miss.

The humid night air was oppressive and hot
 When Keavy and Erin went to bed. 
They wore no blankets, nor much sleep clothes,
 Nor bonnets upon their head. 
Their room was up in the attic, 
And they slept in two tiny cots.
 And while they wished for something more,
 They never required a lot.

 Keavy: "Erin?" Keavy said a sigh.
 As the stars and moon twinkled 
In the night sky.
 "Will you tell me more of Mother and Dad?"

 Erin: "You say that as though I never have."

 Erin sighed then giggled,
 While curled up in her cot, 

Erin: "What I remember of Mother Was never a lot.
 She died giving birth to you, Keavy.
 You were just a baby,
 And I was only three.
 But I remember her singing 
 Was soft as cotton.
 And the songs that she sang to me 
 Will never be forgotten.
 Before she took ill,
 Her hair was blonde and straight,
 Golden like the wheat 
From our farmer's freight.
 And she loved to dance,
 As we do too. 
And she's in heaven now.
 One day we'll be too." 

Keavy: "I wish I had known her,
 Or remembered her voice.
 But I suppose while I'm here, 
I don't have a choice. 
Tell me about Father.
 He was so strong and kind." 

Erin: "I'm tired, Keavy."

 Keavy: "Then just speak your mind! 
I just miss all our time to talk.
 When you work outside, 
I don't see you a lot."

 Erin groaned and pointed 
To a box under a chair. 

Erin: "Open that. You'll find- 
I have letters in there."

 Keavy did as she was told,
 And she brought them to Erin.
 Erin looked them over, 
And then began tellin.' 

Erin: "I've been writing to Princes
ses- And Governors, that sort, 
To try and get to know them,
 And see if they'll court.
 Most of them knew Father, 
And by extension know me.
 If I can be married, 
I'll finally be free. 
No more outdoor days 
In the hot summer sun!
 And my victory over stepmother
 Will finally be won!"

 Keavy frowned sadly,
 And began to cry.

 Keavy: "What did Father tell us
 Right before he died?
 He said to take care of- Claudette and Collette!
 And to be obedient to Stepmother's will and to let- 
Her run the household as she sees fit.
 We can't abandon our home!
 Not for one minute!"

 Erin flustered,
 And heavily sighed.

 Erin: "He wouldn't if he'd known 
Of Stepmother's pride!" 

Keavy: "A promise is a promise!
 No matter what comes!
 A promise stays a promise!" 

Erin: "Okay! I'm not dumb! 
I will not leave you alone with them.
 And I'll see what alternatives I have. 
It's only the many hot hours of work
 That make me so very sad.
 But a promise stays a promise. 
It is as you say.
 Let's get some sleep.
 Tomorrow is another day."

Claudette screamed clawed her way,
 Toward the letter to which Collette clung. 
Collette shrieked and backed away 
In her sister's direction she swung.
 Keavy walked in and saw the commotion,
 And spared not a second of time.
 She opened the door to the backyard
 And beckoned to Erin with mime.

 Erin came running into the house,
 And tried to demand some peace. 
But her stepsisters fought so very often,
 And they never minded her in the least. 

But then they all heard footsteps 
Echoing down the stairs, 
And the only one with cadence that slow, 
Was Madame Valentina Colbert. 

As she strode into the kitchen, 
Everyone stopped, 
All eyes met hers,
 And they all gawked.
 Erin snapped-to 
And took the letter from Collette.
 She gave it to Valentina,
 Gave a curtsy, then wiped her sweat.

 Valentina studied the letter,
 For a second or two,
 Then began to read aloud 
What I'm about to write out for you.

 Valentina: "From the council of Tynwald,
 To the People of Mann,
 And to every young maiden,
 Across our fair land.

 It has come to our attention, 
That this generation has been
 Plagued by bachelorhood
 That has been most obscene.
 A majority of your lords 
In Tynwald are 
Unmarried, and unhappy. 
 It is quite bizarre. 

So to rectify this,
 We invite you all
 To a special Tynwald-
sponsored Grand Ball. 
Simply bring this note with you
 To the tower of brick, 
And your household will be let in, 
Sincerely
-Chief Minister Liam Ulfrick." 

There was a pause of silence,
 As Valentina finished,
 Followed by two girlish squeals 
The twins zeal was undiminished.
 They ran upstairs immediately,
 To work on their own appearance.
 While Erin curtseyed low.
 Practicing her adherence.

 Erin: "If you please, I'd like to atten-"

 Valentina: "We'll discuss this another time.
 Get back to your chores, young one. 
And maybe that'll enter my mind."

 Erin glided out of the room,
 Her smile shining bright
 Through the dirt, and muck, and filth, 
That was so often her plight.

 Keavy smiled as Erin left, 
And Valentina went upstairs.
 She didn't care to go to this silly ball. 
But her happiness was there.

 She was happy for her sisters.
 Especially Erin.
 Who knew if she would get her dream,
 And be able to find a man?

 Then a pang of loneliness,
 Ran through her little heart.
 What if Erin did and left them?
 And broke her promised part? 

Keavy then went back to chores. 
Not sure what to feel.
 Not sure if she was in the right,
 And not sure if this was real.

The day seemed normal as Keavy cleaned,
 And worked on her daily routine.
 The sun outside was bright and warm,
 And made her indoor water steam. 
She kept on working and humming to herself,
 As the day went by,
 Until around 11 o'Clock,
 When Erin came in, dry.

 When I say dry, I mean sunburned,
 Scorched and thirsty beyond belief. 
Keavy dropped her mop and ran over to her,
 Stricken with empathetic grief. 

Erin collapsed into a chair,
 Though she didn't mean to. 
Keavy quickly brought her water, 
And Erin's mind was askew.

 After Erin greedily gulped
 Several glasses down,
 She filled her canteen and tried to rise.
 But Keavy bade her no with a frown.

 Erin: "I have to get-" She started and stopped,
 Her mind stirring aimlessly.
 Erin: "I cannot let Valentina see me. 
I've got to go pull the weeds!" 

Keavy: "You don't normally pull the weeds.
 The gardeners come by for that.
 Why are they making you do extra work?" 

Erin: "Have you fed the cat?"

 Erin coughed roughly and raggedly,
 And took another gulp down her throat. 

Keavy: "Erin, please! Why is this happening?
 Is this some kind of sick joke?" 

Erin: "They're afraid that I'll get married,
 To some powerful Lord.
 Taking an opportunity from the twins,
 And leaving this family's chores. 
So they're trying to make me sick,
 And I don't believe I can go.
 I'm supposed to fill my canteen at noon,
 I still have an hour to go!
 And what's more, I'm not even close to done.
 Keavy, I fear that I am,
 Simply not going to be able to go.
 I will not be able to attend." 

Keavy looked down for a moment,
 Saddened by her sister's news. 
But then Erin's face broke a smile,
 And Keavy was left confused.

 Keavy: "What on earth are you smiling about?
 I thought we were trying to be sad.

Erin: " I just thought of something that changed my heart, 
All the way to glad.
 Keavy, you should go to the ball.
 I don't care if you socialize.
 You deserve to do something fun. 
Dress up! See different skies!
 In fact, you should wear Mother's old dress!
 No one would begrudge you this, 
Especially our Father. 
He longed for us this bliss." 

Keavy's eyes began to fill,
 And she held her sister's hand.

 Keavy: "If you want me to go, 
I trust your judgement then. 
It sounds like it might be fun, 
What with fanciful decor and letters,
 Just focus on getting through this,
 Just focus on getting better."

That night, Erin slept like a rock. ­
But was woke up early to be,­
 Greeted by her sister,­
 Dear Keavy. ­
Keavy always awoke­
 When the stars were still shining­
 She liked to play for a while,­
 Before the twins started whining. ­

Erin rarely rose early,­
 But this morning had been set,­
 To take a look with Keavy ­
At their Mother's old dress.­
 Erin rose groggily, ­
And Keavy felt for her, ­
But the Smile on Erin's face, ­
Left nothing unsure. ­
Erin would rather face the day,­
 Sick and without rest,­
 Then see Keavy miss the ball, ­
Because she had no dress.­

 Keavy carefully lit a candle,­
 And helped Erin to her feet.­ They both got down on their knees, And under the bed did peek. ­

With only a whispered word or two,­
 They pulled out a cedar chest.­
 They unlatched the locks and looked ins­ide, 
And then they saw the dress.­

 It had been sitting in that case,­
 For almost a full decade. ­
And the last time it had adorned their ­mother,
 Erin was shorter than a spade.­

 The silky fabric was as blue as the sea.­
 The trim as white as snow, ­
The designs and whorls gave a sense of ­ice.
 Silver sparkles made it glow.­

 Keavy let out a stuttered gasp.­
 Erin shushed her sternly. ­
Then she whispered to remind Keavy- ­

Erin: "It is far too early." ­

She began to lift the dress up,­
 And continued in whispered tones- ­

Erin: "I suspect we'll have to alter it ­a bit, 
Depending on how you've grown."­

 Keavy stripped off her sleeping clothes,­
 And they worked to put it on,­
 And soon any doubts about fitting,­
 Were completely gone.­

 Erin stared in amazement,­
 At how her sister filled out-­
 Every inch of the dress perfectly,­

 Erin: "I suppose we'll forget that route­." 

Keavy smiled and stared­ 
Into their dirty mirror,­
 But quickly whirled around,­
 When she heard quiet choking from her s­ister,
 Erin was quietly vomiting up,­
 Into a nearby pail,­
 And Keavy's joy of wearing the dress,­
 Quickly began to fail.­

 Keavy: "Erin, you need to work inside to­day,
 We have to ask to switch chores."­

 Erin: "Valentina would never do that.­
 She'd simply give me more."­

 Erin slowly pulled herself up,­
 And trudged off to start her day.­
 Keavy felt very helpless and sad,­
 But she didn't want to feel this way.­ 
She turned back to their mirror again 

And imagined herself with a man,­
 Dancing and twirling at the ball,­
 He always holding her hand.­ And surprisingly did not think ill of it 
Though she reaffirmed in her mind,­
 Her place was here with her family,­
 And even if one day his mind-­ Decided that he’d marry her,
­
 She'd make sure her family would be- Cared for with plenty of wonderful serv­ants,
 And comfortable monetarily. ­

She took one last look at the dress,­
 Before she put it away,­
 She thought of how happy her father wou­ld be-
 To see his girl dressed that way.